Abstract:
Since the phase-out of the Multi-Fibre Agreement, the worldwide system of managed
trade in apparel exports through the quota system, export-apparel manufacturers had
to rethink their operations management strategies for survival and growth. One of
such strategies adopted to improve the efficiency of apparel production is lean
manufacturing. Lean manufacturing system relies heavily on employees’ capabilities
for its effective implementation. Shop-floor employees play a key role in the process
of minimisation of waste in the lean production context since they interact with the
direct operational environment. They have more ownership of the production process
and have capacity to make better improvement suggestions. Based on a sample of
lean manufacturing system implemented manufacturing firms in Sri Lanka, the study
investigated relationships between upward feedback, job performance and the age of
lean manufacturing system. It was found that the age of the lean manufacturing
system moderates the positive relationship between upward feedback and job
performanceJn_such_a_way jthat longer the lean manufacturing system is in operation,
higher will be its positive effect on the relationship between upward feedback and joS
performance.
